Halloween definitely tops the list of my least favorite holidays. I have a special place in my heart for October, after I had the most beautiful fall wedding. I’m lucky enough to have my amazing cousin Erin, creator of Urban Chateau Floral create amazing fall arrangements that featured bird baths, pomegranates, stunning branches and more. But sometimes I let creepy Halloween decorations and the glut of sugary treats mar my feelings for the month.

However. It is TIME to get things taken care of, because the only thing more unpleasant than dealing with certain aspects of Halloween, is dealing with them at the last minute. Once I had to drive to the post office to pick up my boys costumes–they were supposed to be delivered just in time for the school trunk or treat, but somehow ended up landing at the local post office instead of my house. Miraculously I connected with an employee who found the package and allowed me to pick it up just before the post office closed and the trunk or treat began. Those were the superman PJs, one of my most favorite costumes ever because they landed in the PJ drawer instead of the costume box and the boys got to keep wearing them long after the holiday had past.

I am however developing a little more love for Halloween as I’ve realized it is the PERFECT time to introduce my kiddos to some new foods–wouldn’t your kid be much more interested in some Halloween themed foods that are bright purple or bright green (but also happen to be packed with antioxidants?). I’ll be sharing these recipes next!

Whether you’re looking just to decrease the overall candy load, find yourself snacking on the candy ahead of time or are ready for a change, here are a few unique items for trick or treaters that won’t break the bank.

1. Halloween Bubbles

The thing I love about bubbles is that they create temporary fun. We enjoy bubbles for a few days, but then everyone is happy to send them on their way after the bubbles have been used. Am I the only one with kids who like to hang on to “treasures” for too long?

2. Halloween Stamps:

My kids are loving stamps!

3. Halloween Play-doh

4. Glowsticks

5. Pumpkin Cuties

Draw a few triangle eyes and noses to make these into the cutest and healthiest jack o lanterns you’ve seen! These would be a great complement to a class party!

6. Halloween Stickers, etc

Stickers are always fun, and this package comes with a variety of things if you’re ready to just be done and get a good variety!

7. Fake Mustaches

Another one of those easily enjoyed and then easily disposed of goodies

8. Wind-up Toys

In all of my reading, I’ve come to believe that it’s much more important that we are making sure to eat the healthiest foods rather than avoid the unhealthiest foods. Of course we always want to do the best we can, but at a time like Halloween when you’d have to take your kids on a vacation to the mountains to avoid it all, it’s a great time to focus on making the healthiest food you can! More on that to come, but in the meantime, you might enjoy Is Your Kid a Sugar Addict? Here are 3 Strategies that will Help

9. Cutie Pumpkins

Thanks to reader Meagan for this idea–peel cuties and top with a small piece of celery stalk to look like pumpkins

10. Mix Candy with Toys

Another Meggin said she mixes toys with with candy and is always surprised at how many kids go for the toys over the candy! Such a good reminder that sometimes kids choose better than we might guess!

11. Dollar Tree Glowsticks

Reader Pam said she always gets glowsticks from Dollar Tree–super cheap and fun for kids, especially since their family deals with significant allergies!

12. Recycle

A certain blog author who should remain anonymous likes to recycle a good portion of everything that has already come home! Usually by the time we go to our school AND church trunk or treats we have lots of goods that we leave in a bowl on the porch.

13. Broccoli

I saw one picture online of a bowl of raw broccoli with a “Take One” sign. SOOOOO funny!

14. Balance it Out

Another reader said they just try to eat as healthy as possible that week! I second that!

Ideas for Managing the Candy that Does Come Home

1.Candy Buy Back

We’ve all heard of the dentists that will buy back candy, but did you know there’s a website you can check? halloweencandybuyback.com

2.Switch Witch

Leave your candy out and the switch witch will come swap it for a desired toy.

3. Shop with Candy

Buy a few small items you know your kids would like and allow them to “shop” with their candy for what they want.

4. Pay for no-sugar days

Let your kids have some candy on Halloween, then pay them a $1/day for every sugar-free day!

5. Create an outing

Some families like to go to dinner, a movie, or even a hotel to have quality family time over buckets of sugar.

What Do you Do to Make Halloween Healthier? Do you let your kids eat all the candy they bring home? Buy it from them? What works for you? I will be updating this post all month, so send me your best ideas!!